The distribution of mammals, plant communities and habitats in a native forest catchment in North-eastern Victoria.  C. J. Ashe.  October 1979.  16 pp. (unpubl.)

SUMMARY

This report contains the results of a study of the distribution and abundance of mammals and plants in a small native forested catchment (Long Corner Creek) in north-eastern Victoria. The aim was to determine whether mammals have zones of preferred use in the catchment and whether these zones have relevance to those existing in areas of retained native forest within pine plantation.

Four zones within the catchment were defined by computer analysis of vegetation data, these were creek, flat, midslope and dryslope zones. The flora, fauna and selected habitat parameters of each zone were described.

Nineteen mammals were identified. These comprised 14 native (11 marsupials, 2 monotremes, and 1 placental mammal) and 5 introduced mammals. Of the native species many displayed a preference for the creek zone and its immediate environs. Four native species used the creek zone only; one species occurred in much greater abundance there; two species sheltered in it during the day and foraged elsewhere at night; the remaining seven native species were distributed throughout the catchment, except for the greater glider, which did not occur in the dryslope zone.

It would appear that in north-eastern Victoria, the creek zone of the native forest environment represents an area of major habitat importance. It is reasonable to expect that this zone, retained as a forested tongue within the plantation, will provide survivors of the “non-dependent residents” category for subsequent colonisation. However, “dependent residents” are likely to require much larger reserves for long-term species survival.